The SENDcast

Dr. Helen Ross, dyslexia expert and consultant, joined Dale this week in what they had planned to be a discussion on dyslexia and mental health. However, their conversation took an unexpected turn, leading them on a meandering path through various topics and reflections on life. They therefore decided to call the episode 'Whole life mental health meanderings'.

During this lively discussion, Helen and Dale ended up reflecting on their lives which took them all over the place – from labels, Helen's projects, and parental expectations to period pains and their own life journeys. The essence of their conversation centred around the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all template for life. They dove into the concept that imperfections and failures can lead to unexpected and sometimes even more fulfilling outcomes.

Dr. Helen Ross captured our meandering journey with this analogy;

"Sometimes you forget to put the eggs in your cake, and it doesn't matter because you end up with slop, and it tastes good."

While their discussion may have deviated from the original topic of dyslexia and mental health, the insights shared in this episode are valuable and relatable. Life is a complex journey, and it's essential to find what works for us individually, even if it means veering off the expected path.

Dr Helen Ross is a fully qualified special needs teacher and former SENCO, working as an independent educational research consultant, specialist assessor and SEND expert. Helen is a Trustee of the British Dyslexia Association, Chair of the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and is on the board of the US, not-for profit National Coalition of Independent Scholars. She has consulted for the British Dyslexia Association, The Committee for Science and Technology (part of the UK Government), and Wiltshire Local Authority. She also works internationally with various third sector and commercial organisations with evaluation, consultancy and resource development. Helen's research explores stakeholder experiences of SEND provision within the mainstream education sector, focussing on the empowerment of those supporting young people, to help them to take ownership of their own learning. She uses her findings from research to inform her own practice and to support other practitioner in their own work, through CPD webinars and live sessions.

https://twitter.com/drhelenross

https://www.facebook.com/drhelenross

http://helensplace.co.uk/

[email protected]

The make up of neurodiversity Mary Colley style

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

As you know, SENCOs play a crucial role in supporting students with special educational needs, and they often find themselves in the firing line when dealing with parental issues. Despite their kindness and empathy, SENCOs (and teachers in general) are not always equipped with specific training in this area, which poses a significant challenge.

To shed light on this topic, Lynn How joins Dale to share valuable insights and tips for working effectively with parents. In this episode, Lynn explores;

• the reasons why this challenge is a recurring issue for SENCOs
• barriers to parental engagement
• parental perspectives of schools and SENCOs
• reframing the notion of "hard to reach" parents
• practical tips for navigating challenging conversations with parents

Listen for actionable insights to strengthen parent-school partnerships, leading to improved outcomes for students with SEND.

"Remaining positive is a massive part of the role. If I can get parents to leave the meeting at least smiling about something then that's a bonus."

Lynn How, Educational Consultant

Lynn How is an educational consultant, editor of Teacher Toolkit website and blogger.

With 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience, she has been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCO. She loves to write and also has her own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com.

Lynn holds an MA in Education, is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), NASENCO and NPQH. Her particular areas of interest are wellbeing (staff and pupil), SEND, children's mental health, leadership, mentoring and coaching. Recently she has started an Educational Consultancy business for SEND (SEND support) and Teacher Wellbeing (The Wellbeing Lady). Lynn's first book, 'Starting Out As A Primary Senco', is being published by Bloomsbury in September 2024.

https://twitter.com/Positive_Y_Mind

https://www.facebook.com/PositiveYoungMind

www.positiveyoungmind.com

[email protected]

Lynn's CPD training for school leaders and adaption training for SENCOs

Lynn recently joined us in the SENDcast Sessions studio to present 2 CPD training sessions:

1. SENCO wellbeing: Don't just survive – thrive! 2. SENCO action planning – where to start when the issues seem so big

Register your place now for just £10 per session which can be shared with your whole school.

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Did you know that there is a profound connection between our senses and mental health?

Our senses can heighten the more stress we're under, but they can also shut down as well. Smell alone can bring up strong feelings and emotions, for example, no one likes the smell of hospitals, but they love the smell of fresh bread.

To explore this connection further, Dale invited Joanna Grace, Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist, to join him to discuss 'Your senses and your mental health'.

Joanna highlights that when in a depressive mindset, you can withdraw from the world and restrict your access to sensation. As a result, our senses can become dulled, affecting our ability to fully enjoy activities like eating.

She also emphasises the importance of our interoceptive sense, which allows us to sense our internal world, such as hunger and thirst, and how this differs for neurodivergent people which can in turn impact their wellbeing.

Each individual's environment plays a significant role in shaping their sensory capacity, which in turn affects their ability to perceive and process emotions effectively. Listen to this thought-provoking perspective on the importance of curating environments that promote good mental health at a sensory level.

Joanna Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, doctoral researcher, author, trainer, TEDx speaker and Founder of The Sensory Projects. Joanna has worked with people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions aged from 0-100 (well 1 day old – 87 years old to be precise) in a range of settings and context. Through all she does Joanna is seeking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences.

https://twitter.com/Jo3Grace

[email protected]

www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk

http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP

Autism:behaviour or neurotype? session with Jo Grace

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

We've all heard of Occupational Therapists – but do we truly understand the breadth and depth of their role?

Kim Griffin has been an OT for over 20 years and joins Dale for today's podcast 'What is an OT?'. Kim sheds light on the history of the profession, explains how the name was derived and how it can specialise in different areas; such as working with children, adults, mental health, SEND, orthopaedics and so on. An OT's role can support people across their lifespan!

Kim specialises in paediatrics and has extensive experience working with SEND children within schools. During the podcast, I ask Kim the below questions:

• What should a school use an OT for?
• What are the areas that OTs support in schools? Starting with the EHCP.
• How much work do you get to put in with the teachers?
• How can schools really maximise what they get from their OT?
• What do you need to ask for when buying in private OT time?

"If the lesson is too hard for them, no amount of movement break or sensory circuit or weighted blanket is going to help that child access the lesson." Kim Griffin

Listen to get a deeper understanding of the OT role and how you can maximise their contributions within your school to support your students.

Kim is an occupational therapist with 20 years' experience supporting children, young people, their families and teachers to participate successfully in their daily lives. Her interest areas are sensory processing and autism. Kim provides online training for those who want to learn more about sensory processing, motor skills and handwriting along with programmes that show you have to help children improve their skills.

https://twitter.com/Griffin_OT

http://www.GriffinOT.com

https://www.facebook.com/GriffinSensoryOT/

Description of OT by Kim

Fidget toys

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Let's begin by acknowledging a fundamental truth: there are no bad children. Each child exhibits behaviours as a means of survival within their unique environment. In the case of foster or adopted children, many have endured profoundly traumatic pasts, resulting in complex behavioural issues. However, at their core, they are children who, like any other child, simply need to feel loved, safe, and valued.

In this week's episode, Alison Knowles joins Dale to discuss 'Parenting foster/adopted children'. We explore the specific challenges facing foster or adoption families including; transitions, attachment, the importance of establishing boundaries, and effectively dealing with challenging behaviours. Alison brings her wealth of expertise as an Emotional Therapist and real-life examples.

Each child's journey is unique, therefore it's crucial that no assumptions are made. Alison highlights that a lot of the focus is on the foster or adopted child, however, there needs to be more support for the parents. These families need extensive guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of their roles and empower these parents to enable them to provide the best possible care.

"You've got to try and find a way to reframe the fact that there isn't that biological bond, but there's a more powerful, beautiful one. This is quite magical; they found you."

Alison Knowles

Ali is a practising emotional therapist, author of the Ollie and his Super Powers series of books, public speaker, NLP trainer and creator of the Ollie Model. Ali's strength is the unique way she views the world and her instinctive ability to empower you or your child to find the solutions from within.

https://twitter.com/bemoreollie

https://www.facebook.com/OllieandhisSuperPowers

http://www.ollieandhisuperpowers.com

Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDj-PRjboIg2cu-KZsEMVA

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ollie_and_his_super_powers

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Recently a new term has emerged 'profound autism', which refers to autistic individuals who have intellectual disabilities and require round-the-clock support. While this term has been well received in some circles, it has sparked controversy in others.

We delve into this topic with Joanna Grace and explore the new term and its implications within the autistic community in today's podcast 'A Profound Separation'.

During our discussion, we touch upon the following:

• High or low functioning
• Intellectual disability
• The need for another new term
• Negative connotations
• Listening to the autistic community
• Neurokin

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we shed light on profound autism and explore the controversial term.

"Why do we need these terms when we've got the term intellectual disability?"

Joanna Grace, Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist

Joanna Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist, doctoral researcher, author, trainer, TEDx speaker and Founder of The Sensory Projects.

Joanna has worked with people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions aged from 0-100 (well 1 day old – 87 years old to be precise) in a range of settings and context.

Through all she does Joanna is seeking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences.

https://twitter.com/Jo3Grace

http://www.facebook.com/JoannaGraceTSP

http://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk/

Email - [email protected]

Autism:behaviour or neurotype? session with Jo Grace https://www.thesendcast.com/product/autism-neurotype-or-behaviour/

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

When it comes to the national SEND landscape, it's crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening across the country. Different schools and authorities often face unique challenges, and it's important to recognise the difference between struggles that are universal and those that are localised to specific schools.

Having spent 6 years as a MAT SEND Leader, Simon Tanner joins Dale today bringing his expertise to discuss 'The National SEND Picture'.

During the conversation, Simon delves into the national issues affecting the SEND landscape, such as workload, funding, and recruitment. He offers advice and tips on collaborating and learning from other schools within your Local Authority, as well as scaling up successful initiatives.

"There are pockets of outstanding practise out there and communities and people coming together to collaborate to get the best for the SEND needs of the people that they're working with. I think that's the bit that gives me, as a leader of SEND within my MAT, hope. And we've got that passion and I think it's, how many of us can now come together to work, to provide and push that agenda along more, because that voice is getting louder."

Simon Tanner

Join us for this insightful discussion as we dive into the National SEND Picture to enhance our understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions that lie ahead.

Simon is National Director of SEND for E-ACT. With 10 years as an experienced SENDCo and 6 as a MAT leader for SEND, Simon has developed effective SEND practice across multiple MATs and lead on SEND and MAT SEND reviews across the country.

Simon Co-chairs the MAT SEND Leaders group which he established with Dr Nicola Crossly (Liberty Trust). The group currently have over 100 MAT leaders of SEND and collaborate with Whole Education. Simon is a mentor on Whole Educations MAT SEND leaders programme which last year supported over 250 academies across England and is now moving into its second cohort.

Simon regularly presents at National conferences and was part of EDUKEYs Provision map series in 2020-2021 and TEXTHELPs festivals of education between 2021-2023.

https://twitter.com/simontanner_sen

https://www.e-act.org.uk/

[email protected]

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

The impact of a teacher's style and approach can be profound, especially when it comes to students with special educational needs (SEN) and behaviour challenges. Some teachers effortlessly handle students perceived as "difficult", while others struggle and resort to excessive punishment.

On this week's podcast, we're discussing teacher styles for supporting SEN and behaviour with our regular guest Fintan O'Regan. Fintan looks a 3 specific types of teacher style and considers the merits of each - are you a controller, a friend, or a benevolent dictator?

1. Controller – These subject specialists adopt a "my way or the highway" mentality, often displaying rigid behaviour management techniques.
2. Friend – Teachers with a friendly approach aim to be liked by their students. They create a classroom environment based on negotiation and democratic principles.
3. Benevolent Dictator – These teachers strike a balance by setting clear rules and expectations while remaining realistic and making reasonable adjustments to accommodate students' needs.

It is crucial that teachers themselves, recruiters, and those involved in teacher training consider what it takes for the vision of every teacher to be a teacher of every child. This includes those who appear ready and available to learn and those that have SEND.

Listen to explore the considered merits of the 3 teacher styles, which Fintan perceives to be the most effective, and strategies and potential outcomes with each approach.

"You have to find a way that suits your style within the institution you're in and be allowed to flourish."

Fintan O'Regan, Behaviour and SEN Consultant

He was the Head teacher of the Centre Academy from 1996 -2002, which was the first specialist school in the UK for students between the ages of 7-19 specialising issues related to ADHD, ASD and ODD.

He is an associate lecturer for Leicester University, the National Association of Special Needs, the Institute of Education, the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre and the former Vice Chairman of the UK ADHD Network and of the European ADHD Alliance.

Fintan now works as trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers with regards to providing behaviour management strategies for children and families struggling with SEND and behaviour issues.

https://twitter.com/fintanoregan

https://www.facebook.com/FintanORegansBehaviourManagementConsultancy/

[email protected]

• The Teacher's Toolkit
• The Top Traits of an Effective SEN Teacher
• 10 Essential Skills Every Special Education Teacher Needs
• Successfully Teaching and Managing Children with ADHD

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

School can often be a traumatic experience for autistic children and young people. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly girls, go undiagnosed and lack the necessary support they need. This has led to low school attendance rates and a concerning decline in mental health.

As it's Autism Acceptance Week, I am excited to welcome Emily Katy to our studio to share her incredible story and insights on 'Autistic Masking, School, and Mental Health'.

During Emily's inspirational podcast she covers the following:

• Her journey – undiagnosed autistic for nearly 17 years, challenges at school contributed to anxiety/OCD/depression leading to her being sectioned aged 16 on a children's mental health unit.
• Her experience of school as an undiagnosed autistic girl – masking, challenges in the environment.
• What helped her at school – good teacher relationships, reasonable adjustments.

This discussion is a must-listen for anyone currently navigating a similar journey. Share this inspiring story far and wide, as it's a beacon of hope for those who may be facing similar challenges.

"You were forced into the same environment every day, regardless of the effects that it has on you. I can't tell you how much better my life has been since I finished uni and have been in a stable job, the last year and a half has been the best year and a half of my life."

Emily Katy

EMILY KATY, 22, lived as an undiagnosed autistic girl for nearly seventeen years. After completing her degree in 2022, she qualified as a mental health nurse. She has a large, highly engaged following on Twitter and Instagram (@ItsEmilyKaty) and a blog www.authenticallyemily.uk, where she talks about autism and mental health. Emily is a Trustee of the charity 'The Autistic Girls Network', a former Governor and member of the CAMHS young people's council for her local NHS trust, and in 2021 to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, she was selected by the Women of the World Foundation as one of their 2021 40 Young Leaders. She lives in Hertfordshire with her family and two dogs, and loves books, writing, scrapbooking and Greys Anatomy. GIRL UNMASKED is her first book.

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

https://twitter.com/ItsEmilyKaty

https://www.instagram.com/ItsEmilyKaty/

www.authenticallyemily.uk

GIRL UNMASKED: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Exams can be a daunting experience for students as they face the pressure to perform well and the associated stress. Many students may feel unprepared, lacking effective revision techniques and uncertainty about what to expect in the exam room.

Today, I am delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman, one of our regular guests, to discuss 'Standardised Approach to Exams'. With GCSE and A-Level exams fast approaching, Susie shares invaluable insights on how to succeed in exams, not just for students with SEND but for all, enabling them to achieve higher grades and secure admission to university.

During our conversation, Susie highlights the following strategies:

• Observing and narrating
• Lesson delivery
  • Multisensory techniques
  • Teaching new terminology
  • Effective notes and revision cards
• Exam technique
  • Practice papers/questions
  • Command verbs
  • Levels of response questions

Listen to gain valuable insights into Susie's tried and tested techniques, designed to prepare your students for success in exams and, ultimately, even help them enjoy the process.

Dr Susie Nyman is passionate about discovering how children learn and supporting them in ways which enable them to succeed. She was appointed as a Biology teacher at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in 1995, and subsequently as Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care where she has worked ever since.

Susie strives to raise students' achievements and support them in ways which enables them to succeed. She works with her students deploying a range of innovative and Multi-sensory teaching techniques to assist their learning including her 'Equality and Diversity Tree' and famous puppets!

Additionally, she has provided training to PGCE students at Kingston University, and in a number of local schools and colleges on teaching strategies. Since February 2017, Susie has presented seminars on 'Multi-sensory Techniques' at The Learning Differences Conventions in Australia, Richmond College, The Helen Arkell Centre, Bell House, The Oratory School, The National Education Show and The Tes SEN Shows in London and Manchester.

Recently, she was filmed 'in action' for The British Dyslexia Association as well as Oaka Books, and the footage is available on YouTube. Subsequently, she has written a chapter about 'Multi-sensory Teaching' in the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Schools Good Practice Guide and 'The Multi-sensory Teaching Toolkit' by Oaka Books.

In recognition of over 21 years continued service at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Susie has been nominated three times by the College for the 'Tes FE Teacher of the Year Award'. This is an honour of which she is immensely proud.

@DrSusieNyman

drnymanconsultancy.co.uk

[email protected]

Published work

• Susie's books

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – [email protected]

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.